AOA Members Profile 2026: Bio, Age, Height, Positions & Interesting Facts
AOA, short for Ace of Angels, debuted under FNC Entertainment in July 2012 with a concept that set them apart from other girl groups of their era. The original lineup of eight members promoted simultaneously as a dance group and as a band, with sub-units AOA Black, AOA White, and AOA Cream handling different musical styles. The group produced some of the most recognizable K-pop hits of the mid-2010s, including “Miniskirt,” “Short Hair,” “Like a Cat,” and “Heart Attack.”
The group has been inactive since 2020 following a series of internal conflicts and member departures. All members have now left FNC Entertainment, but no official disbandment has been announced. This profile covers the complete AOA member lineup, their verified personal details, career updates, and the group’s current status as of 2026.
AOA Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Group Name | AOA (Ace of Angels) |
| Korean Name | 에이오에이 |
| Debut Date | July 30, 2012 |
| Agency | FNC Entertainment |
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genre | K-pop, R&B-influenced pop, dance-pop |
| Original Members | 8 (7 full angels + 1 half angel) |
| Active Years | 2012–2020 (inactive) |
| Fandom Name | Elvis |
| Official Fan Color | Not officially confirmed |
| Current Status | Inactive; no official disbandment announced |
Table of Contents
Who Is AOA?
AOA is a South Korean girl group formed by FNC Entertainment in 2012. The group’s name stands for “Ace of Angels,” and their debut concept involved a narrative about angels who descended to Earth after falling in love with human music. What made AOA unusual was their dual format: they promoted as a dance group with seven members and as a band with an additional drummer, Youkyung, who was described as a “half-angel” since she only participated in band promotions. This led to the group being introduced as a “7+1” act.
The group’s early releases saw moderate success, but 2014 marked a turning point. “Miniskirt,” released in January 2014, became their first Top 20 entry on the Gaon Singles Chart. A string of hits followed, establishing AOA as one of the leading girl groups of their generation. They also found success in Japan, where their debut Japanese single “Miniskirt” peaked at number 13 on the Oricon Singles Chart, and their first Japanese studio album “Ace of Angels” reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart.
The group has been inactive since 2020. While no official disbandment statement has been issued by FNC Entertainment or the members, all members have departed from the agency.
AOA History
Formation and Debut (2012)
FNC Entertainment introduced the eight members individually through teaser photos from July 16 to 23, 2012. The debut single album “Angel’s Story” and its title track “Elvis” were released on July 30, 2012. The group’s debut stage took place on August 9, 2012, on Mnet’s M Countdown, followed by Music Bank on August 10.
The debut concept described seven members as “full angels” – Seolhyun (Seolhyunari), Choa (Choaya), Hyejeong (Hyejeong.Linus), Chanmi (Chanmi T.T), Yuna (Yunaria), Mina (Minaring), and leader Jimin (Jiminel) – while Youkyung was listed as a “half-angel/half-mortal” who only participated when the group promoted as a band.
Breakthrough Era (2014–2016)
AOA’s commercial breakthrough came with the January 2014 release of “Miniskirt,” their fifth single album and first Top 20 entry on the Gaon Singles Chart. Later that year, they released their first two EPs, “Short Hair” and “Like a Cat.” The group also debuted in Japan under Universal Music Japan in October 2014. Their third EP, “Heart Attack” (2015), became their best-selling Korean album at the time, with over 47,000 physical copies sold. The title track became one of the most downloaded songs of 2015 and one of the longest-charting singles on Melon’s Top 100 chart. In 2016, FNC debuted a second promotional unit, AOA Cream, featuring Hyejeong, Yuna, and Chanmi.
Later Years and Inactivity (2017–2020)
AOA released their first Korean studio album, “Angel’s Knock,” in January 2017 and held their first headlining Korean concert, “Ace of Angels,” at Olympic Hall in Seoul. Choa left the group in June 2017, citing long-term insomnia and depression. After a hiatus, AOA returned with the EP “Bingle Bangle” in May 2018. Their final release as a group was the EP “New Moon” in November 2019. The group has been inactive since 2020.
Agency and Management
AOA was formed and managed by FNC Entertainment throughout their active career. FNC Entertainment is also home to acts such as CNBLUE, F.T. Island, and N.Flying. The group debuted under the agency in 2012 and released music through FNC for their Korean releases, while Japanese releases were distributed through Universal Music Japan.
As of 2026, all members have departed from FNC Entertainment. Jimin left in 2020 following the bullying controversy. Hyejeong’s contract status with FNC ended, and she is now represented by TH Company. Seolhyun is represented by Ieum Hashtag. Dohwa (formerly Chanmi) parted ways with FNC in 2024 after 15 years with the agency.
No official disbandment statement has been issued.
AOA Member Profiles
Jimin Profile
Shin Ji-min, known mononymously as Jimin, was the leader and main rapper of AOA. Born on January 8, 1991, in Seoul, she was one of the group’s founding members and its most prominent rapper during their active years. Jimin also played guitar in AOA Black, the group’s band sub-unit.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shin Ji-min (신지민) |
| Stage Name | Jimin (지민) |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1991 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 35 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Chinese Zodiac | Goat |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea (some sources list Seongnam) |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 160 cm (5’3″) – per FNC Entertainment and Universal Music Japan |
| Weight | 43 kg (94 lbs) |
| Blood Type | Not publicly available |
| MBTI | Not publicly available |
Group Role
Jimin served as the leader, main rapper, and vocalist of AOA. In the band unit AOA Black, she played guitar. She was also a member of the duo project group JIMIN N J.DON.
Early Life and Education
Jimin was born on January 8, 1991, in Seoul. She learned to play the guitar, harmonica, and piano as a child. From her second year of middle school to her first year of high school, she studied abroad at a Chinese language school for two years. While in China, she also attended a practical music school. She has an older sister.
Career Journey
Jimin debuted as AOA’s leader in July 2012. She participated in the survival show “Unpretty Rapstar” in 2015, where she was a semi-finalist. She released solo music, including the single “WYA” in June 2026. She also pursued acting, appearing in several dramas. In 2020, she left AOA following bullying allegations made by former member Mina. She returned to entertainment in 2022 through the JTBC survival program “Second World” and has since pursued a solo music career.
Family Background
Jimin has an older sister. Detailed family information beyond this is not publicly available.
Relationship Status
There is no publicly confirmed relationship information available.
Net Worth
Jimin’s exact net worth is not publicly available.
Official Social Media
Instagram: [@jimin__shin]
Interesting Facts
- Jimin was the leader of AOA from their debut in 2012 until her departure in 2020.
- She can play the guitar, harmonica, and piano.
- She studied Chinese for two years in China during middle and high school.
- She was a semi-finalist on “Unpretty Rapstar” Season 1.
- She released the single “WYA” in June 2026.
- Her AOA angel name was “Jiminel.”
- She has a tattoo on her collarbone that reads “Loyalty.”
Seolhyun Profile
Kim Seol-hyun, known mononymously as Seolhyun, was one of AOA’s most recognizable members and the group’s center. Born on January 3, 1995, in Bucheon, she joined AOA at age 17 and quickly became a popular figure in Korean entertainment through both music and acting. Seolhyun was also part of the sub-unit AOA White.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Seol-hyun (김설현) |
| Stage Name | Seolhyun (설현) |
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1995 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 31 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Chinese Zodiac | Pig |
| Birthplace | Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 167 cm (5’6″) |
| Weight | 47 kg (104 lbs) |
| Blood Type | Not publicly available |
| MBTI | Not publicly available |
Group Role
Seolhyun served as a vocalist and dancer in AOA. She was also part of the sub-unit AOA White.
Early Life and Education
Seolhyun was born on January 3, 1995, in Bucheon, South Korea. She wanted to be a singer since she was in a school club band. She attended Kachiul Elementary School, Sungkok Middle School, and Gyeonggi Arts High School. She majored in Film at Kyung Hee University. She has an older sister named Joo-hyun, who is a fashion editor for Cosmopolitan.
Career Journey
In 2010, Seolhyun won the 8th Smart Model Contest, where she was scouted by FNC Entertainment. She appeared in the music video for F.T. Island’s “Severely” before debuting with AOA in July 2012. She made her acting debut in the drama “My Daughter Seo-young” and gained recognition for roles in “Ugly Alert” and “Orange Marmalade.” She appeared in the film “Gangnam Blues” and won a “popular star” award at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards. She also starred in “My Country: The New Age,” “Awaken,” and the film “Memoir of a Murderer.” Seolhyun was named “Model of the Year” at the 2015 TVCF Awards.
Family Background
Seolhyun has an older sister named Joo-hyun, who works as a fashion editor.
Relationship Status
There is no publicly confirmed relationship information available.
Net Worth
Seolhyun’s exact net worth is not publicly available.
Official Social Media
Instagram: [@sh_9513]
Interesting Facts
- Seolhyun won the 8th Smart Model Contest in 2010.
- She was scouted by FNC Entertainment at a modeling competition.
- She appeared in F.T. Island’s “Severely” music video before her debut.
- She won a popular star award at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
- She was named “Model of the Year” at the 2015 TVCF Awards.
- Her AOA angel name was “Seolhyunari.”
- She majored in Film at Kyung Hee University.
- She was a promotional ambassador for “Visit Korea Year.”
Hyejeong Profile
Shin Hye-jeong, known mononymously as Hyejeong, is a vocalist and actress who was part of AOA’s original lineup. Born on August 10, 1993, in Pocheon, she joined FNC Entertainment in August 2010 after being discovered at a supermodel pageant. Hyejeong was also a member of AOA Cream.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shin Hye-jeong (신혜정) |
| Stage Name | Hyejeong (혜정) |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 32 |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rooster |
| Birthplace | Pocheon-si, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 170 cm (5’7″) – per FNC Entertainment and Universal Music Japan |
| Weight | 48 kg (106 lbs) |
| Blood Type | Not publicly available |
| MBTI | Not publicly available |
Group Role
Hyejeong served as a vocalist in AOA. She was also part of the sub-unit AOA Cream.
Early Life and Education
Hyejeong competed in a supermodel pageant until the 3rd preliminary round, where an FNC Entertainment casting director discovered her. She became an FNC trainee in August 2010. She has a special talent for cheerleading.
Career Journey
Hyejeong made her debut as a member of AOA on July 30, 2012. She began acting early in her career, appearing in “A Gentleman’s Dignity” in 2012 and “Cheongdam-dong Alice” later that year. She appeared in “The Blade and Petal” in 2013 and was cast in her first social film, “Mysterious Solver,” in 2016. She was cast in the tvN drama “My Unfamiliar Family” in 2020. Hyejeong also appeared on “SNL Korea 9.” She is now represented by TH Company and has transitioned into acting.
Family Background
Detailed family information is not publicly available.
Relationship Status
There is no publicly confirmed relationship information available.
Net Worth
Hyejeong’s exact net worth is not publicly available.
Official Social Media
Instagram: [@hyejeong__shin]
Interesting Facts
- Hyejeong was discovered at a supermodel pageant.
- She became an FNC trainee in August 2010.
- Her AOA angel name was “Hyejeong.Linus.”
- She has a special talent for cheerleading.
- She appeared in “A Gentleman’s Dignity” before AOA’s debut.
- She was part of AOA Cream alongside Yuna and Chanmi.
- She is now an actress represented by TH Company.
Dohwa (Chanmi) Profile
Im Do-hwa, formerly known as Chanmi, was AOA’s main dancer and youngest member. Born on June 19, 1996, in Gumi, she was recruited by FNC Entertainment during middle school. She changed her legal name to Im Do-hwa in 2023. She was also a member of AOA Cream.
Personal Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Im Do-hwa (임도화) |
| Former Name | Kim Chan-mi (김찬미) |
| Stage Name | Dohwa (도화), formerly Chanmi (찬미) |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1996 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 30 |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rat |
| Birthplace | Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 166 cm (5’5″) |
| Weight | 47 kg (104 lbs) |
| Blood Type | Not publicly available |
| MBTI | Not publicly available |
Group Role
Dohwa served as the main dancer and rapper of AOA. She was also a member of the sub-unit AOA Cream.
Early Life and Education
Dohwa was born on June 19, 1996, in Gumi, South Korea. She was enrolled in a dance school at a young age and performed on the streets of Gumi. She and her two sisters, Kyung-mi and Hye-mi, were raised by their mother after their parents divorced when Dohwa was in elementary school. Her mother ran a hair salon, which motivated Dohwa to become an idol to help her mother’s financial situation.
Career Journey
Dohwa debuted as a member of AOA on July 30, 2012, using the stage name Chanmi. In 2023, she participated in the virtual idol survival show “Girl’s Re:verse” under the name Dohwa. She was the first contestant eliminated but said the experience allowed her to “do what I love without feeling any kind of pressure.” She later revealed she had changed her legal name to Im Do-hwa. In 2024, she parted ways with FNC Entertainment after 15 years with the agency.
Family Background
Dohwa has two sisters, Kyung-mi and Hye-mi. She was raised by her mother after her parents divorced.
Relationship Status
There is no publicly confirmed relationship information available.
Net Worth
Dohwa’s exact net worth is not publicly available.
Official Social Media
Instagram: [@dohwa_im]
Interesting Facts
- Dohwa’s birth name was Kim Chan-mi.
- She changed her legal name to Im Do-hwa in 2023.
- She was the youngest member of AOA.
- Her AOA angel name was “Chanmi T.T.”
- She was the first contestant eliminated from “Girl’s Re:verse.”
- She left FNC Entertainment in 2024 after 15 years.
- She has been dancing since a young age and performed on the streets of Gumi.
- She has a special talent for dancing.
Former AOA Members
Choa (Park Cho-a)
Park Cho-a, known mononymously as Choa, was AOA’s main vocalist and one of the group’s most recognizable voices. Born on March 6, 1990, she joined FNC Entertainment and debuted with AOA in 2012. Choa was also the guitarist for AOA Black.
Choa left AOA in June 2017, citing long-term insomnia and depression. She explained her decision in an Instagram post, saying she had been taking medication and reducing her schedule for two years to treat her conditions but ultimately could not continue. She also left FNC Entertainment in 2019 after her contract expired.
After leaving AOA, Choa maintained a low profile for several years. She has since returned to entertainment, appearing on variety shows and working as a main MC on the SBS program “지적인 잡담” (Intellectual Chatter). She released a YouTube cover in 2020, her first since her hiatus.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Park Cho-a (박초아) |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 36 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Height | 160 cm (5’3″) – per FNC Entertainment and Universal Music Japan |
| Weight | 42 kg (93 lbs) |
| Position | Main Vocalist, Guitarist |
| AOA Angel Name | Choaya |
| Period in AOA | 2012–2017 |
| Current Status | Variety MC and content creator |
Mina (Kwon Mina)
Kwon Mina, known mononymously as Mina, was a sub-vocalist, lead rapper, and bassist for AOA. Born on September 21, 1993, in Busan, she debuted with AOA in 2012. She was also part of AOA Black as the bassist.
Mina left AOA in May 2019 when her contract with FNC Entertainment expired. In July 2020, she publicly alleged that she had been bullied by Jimin for over a decade, which led to Jimin’s departure from the group and a temporary halt to her activities. Mina has since pursued acting, appearing in dramas including “Modern Farmer” and “All About My Mom.” She has faced public struggles with her mental health and has been involved in several social media controversies.
In September 2026, Mina posted a lengthy message referencing past bullying allegations, which drew renewed attention to the controversy. She did not name Jimin directly, but the post was widely interpreted as referencing her.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kwon Mina (권민아) |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Height | 160 cm (5’3″) |
| Weight | 43 kg (94 lbs) |
| Position | Sub-Vocalist, Lead Rapper, Bassist |
| AOA Angel Name | Minaring |
| Period in AOA | 2012–2019 |
| Current Status | Actress |
Yuna (Seo Yuna)
Seo Yuna, known mononymously as Yuna, was a vocalist and keyboardist for AOA and AOA Black. Born on December 30, 1992, she debuted with AOA in 2012. Yuna was also part of AOA Cream.
Yuna left FNC Entertainment after her contract expired. Information about her current activities is limited.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Seo Yuna (서유나) |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 33 |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Height | 163 cm (5’4″) |
| Weight | 45 kg (99 lbs) |
| Position | Vocalist, Keyboardist |
| AOA Angel Name | Yunaria |
| Period in AOA | 2012–2020 |
| Current Status | Not publicly available |
Youkyung (Seo Youkyung)
Seo Youkyung was the drummer for AOA Black, the group’s band sub-unit. Born on March 15, 1993, in Seoul, she was described as a “half-angel/half-mortal” and only participated in band promotions. She officially left the group in October 2016.
Before joining AOA, Youkyung was a drummer for the band Sponge Band under the stage name Gaon. After leaving AOA, she joined the band P.AZIT in 2019 and released her first solo single album, “Connect,” in October 2020. She is now a member of the band UNI under RXM.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Seo Youkyung (서유경) |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Height | 167 cm (5’6″) |
| Weight | 48–49 kg |
| Position | Drummer (AOA Black only) |
| Period in AOA | 2012–2016 |
| Current Status | Drummer for UNI |
AOA Discography
Studio Albums
| Release Date | Album Title | Type | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2017 | Angel’s Knock | Korean studio album | “Excuse Me,” “Bing Bing” |
| October 14, 2015 | Ace of Angels | Japanese studio album | “Miniskirt” (Japanese ver.), “Like a Cat” (Japanese ver.) |
| November 30, 2016 | Runway | Japanese studio album | “Give Me the Love,” “Good Luck” (Japanese ver.) |
EPs / Mini Albums
| Release Date | EP Title | Title Track |
|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2014 | Short Hair | “Short Hair” |
| November 11, 2014 | Like a Cat | “Like a Cat” |
| June 22, 2015 | Heart Attack | “Heart Attack” |
| May 16, 2016 | Good Luck | “Good Luck” |
| May 28, 2018 | Bingle Bangle | “Bingle Bangle” |
| November 26, 2019 | New Moon | “Come See Me” |
Singles
| Release Date | Song Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2012 | “Elvis” | Debut single |
| October 10, 2012 | “Get Out” | From “Wanna Be” single album |
| July 26, 2013 | “MOYA” | AOA Black single |
| October 10, 2013 | “Confused” | From “Red Motion” single album |
| January 16, 2014 | “Miniskirt” | First Top 20 entry |
| June 19, 2014 | “Short Hair” | From EP “Short Hair” |
| November 11, 2014 | “Like a Cat” | From EP “Like a Cat” |
| June 22, 2015 | “Heart Attack” | Best-selling Korean release |
| May 16, 2016 | “Good Luck” | From EP “Good Luck” |
| January 2, 2017 | “Excuse Me” | From “Angel’s Knock” |
| May 28, 2018 | “Bingle Bangle” | From EP “Bingle Bangle” |
| November 26, 2019 | “Come See Me” | From EP “New Moon” |
Japanese Releases
| Release Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2014 | “Miniskirt” (Japanese ver.) | Debut Japanese single |
| February 25, 2015 | “Like a Cat” (Japanese ver.) | Japanese single |
| July 29, 2015 | “Heart Attack” (Japanese ver.) | Japanese single |
| April 20, 2016 | “Give Me the Love” | Japanese single |
| August 3, 2016 | “Good Luck” (Japanese ver.) | Japanese single |
Notable Songs
“Miniskirt” (2014) marked AOA’s commercial breakthrough in Korea, becoming their first Top 20 single on the Gaon Chart. Its Japanese version peaked at number 13 on the Oricon Singles Chart. “Heart Attack” (2015) became the group’s best-selling Korean release, with over 47,000 physical copies sold. It was one of the most downloaded songs of 2015 and one of the longest-charting singles on Melon’s Top 100 chart. “Bingle Bangle” (2018) marked the group’s return after Choa’s departure and a year-long hiatus. “Come See Me” (2019) was AOA’s final release as a group before their indefinite hiatus.
Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award / Achievement | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2nd Gaon Weibo Chart Awards – Gaon Weibo Social Star Award | – | Won |
| 2015 | 29th Golden Disc Awards – Digital Bonsang | – | Won |
| 2015 | 24th Seoul Music Awards – Bonsang | – | Won |
| 2015 | 4th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards – Hot Performance of the Year | – | Won |
| 2016 | 30th Golden Disc Awards – Digital Bonsang | – | Won |
| 2016 | 5th Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards – World Rookie Award | – | Won |
| 2016 | Asia Artist Awards – Best Celebrity Award (Singer) | – | Won |
| 2018 | Soribada Best K-Music Awards – Bonsang | – | Won |
Music Style and Artistic Evolution
AOA’s musical identity was built around a blend of R&B-influenced pop and dance-pop. Their dual format as a dance group and a band gave them a unique position in the K-pop landscape, allowing them to explore different sonic directions under the same name. AOA Black handled the band-oriented tracks, while AOA White focused on dance performances. AOA Cream offered a more playful, pop-leaning sound.
The group’s early material leaned toward electro-pop and dance tracks. With “Miniskirt” and subsequent releases, they developed a more confident, sexy concept that became their signature. Songs like “Like a Cat” and “Heart Attack” featured catchy hooks and polished production. Their later releases, including “Bingle Bangle” and “Come See Me,” showed a more mature sound while retaining their pop sensibilities.
Tours and Concerts
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 16, 2013 | Sundown Festival 2013 | Singapore |
| March 15, 2014 | FNC Family Concert | – |
| 2015 | AOA Japan Tour | Japan |
| 2017 | “Ace of Angels” Concert | Olympic Hall, Seoul |
| Various | FNC Kingdom Concerts | Japan, Korea |
Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships
Seolhyun was the most prominent endorser in the group. She was named “Model of the Year” at the 2015 TVCF Awards and modeled for brands across fashion, food and beverage, cosmetics, and e-commerce. She placed second in a study by the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation (Kobaco) to select the top spokesmodel by consumers. Seolhyun and Lee Min-ho, her co-star in “Gangnam Blues,” were selected as promotional ambassadors for “Visit Korea Year.”
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Official Account |
|---|---|
| Instagram (Jimin) | @jimin__shin |
| Instagram (Seolhyun) | @sh_9513 |
| Instagram (Hyejeong) | @hyejeong__shin |
| Instagram (Dohwa) | @dohwa_im |
| X / Twitter | @official_aoa (inactive) |
| YouTube | AOA (official channel) |
| Fancafe | aceofangels |
| Weverse | Not publicly available |
20 Interesting Facts About AOA
- AOA stands for “Ace of Angels.”
- The group debuted on July 30, 2012, with the single album “Angel’s Story.”
- AOA’s concept involved promoting as both a dance group and a band.
- Youkyung was called a “half-angel” because she only participated in band promotions.
- The group was known as a “7+1” act due to its unique lineup structure.
- “Heart Attack” (2015) was one of the most downloaded songs of 2015 in Korea.
- “Miniskirt” (2014) was AOA’s first Top 20 entry on the Gaon Singles Chart.
- AOA’s first Japanese studio album, “Ace of Angels,” reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart.
- The group’s fandom name is Elvis, named after their debut song.
- AOA had three sub-units: AOA Black, AOA White, and AOA Cream.
- Seolhyun won a popular star award at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards.
- Choa left the group in 2017 due to long-term insomnia and depression.
- Mina left AOA in 2019 after her contract expired.
- Jimin was the group’s leader from debut until 2020.
- All AOA members have now left FNC Entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of AOA?
The original AOA lineup consisted of eight members: Jimin, Choa, Yuna, Youkyung, Hyejeong, Mina, Seolhyun, and Chanmi (now Dohwa).
How many members does AOA have?
AOA originally had eight members. As of 2026, all members have departed from FNC Entertainment, and the group is inactive.
When did AOA debut?
AOA debuted on July 30, 2012, with the single album “Angel’s Story” and its title track “Elvis.”
Who is the leader of AOA?
Jimin (Shin Ji-min) was the leader of AOA from their debut in 2012 until her departure in 2020.
Who is the oldest member of AOA?
Choa (Park Cho-a) is the oldest member, born on March 6, 1990.
Who is the youngest member of AOA?
Dohwa (formerly Chanmi) is the youngest member, born on June 19, 1996.
What agency manages AOA?
AOA was managed by FNC Entertainment throughout their active career. All members have now left the agency.
What is AOA’s fandom name?
AOA’s fandom name is Elvis, named after their debut song.
Is AOA still active?
No. The group has been inactive since 2020. No official disbandment has been announced.
Who are AOA’s former members?
All original members have left the group’s active lineup. Choa left in 2017, Youkyung left in 2016, Mina left in 2019, and Jimin left in 2020.
Conclusion
AOA holds a distinct place in K-pop history as a group that successfully bridged the gap between dance performance and live band instrumentation. Their run from 2012 to 2020 produced a string of hits that defined an era of Korean pop, particularly the 2014–2015 period when “Miniskirt,” “Short Hair,” “Like a Cat,” and “Heart Attack” dominated charts and established the group as a commercial force.
The group’s later years were marked by internal challenges and member departures. Choa’s exit in 2017 due to health reasons, Mina’s departure in 2019, and the 2020 bullying allegations that led to Jimin leaving the group all contributed to AOA’s indefinite hiatus. No official disbandment has been announced, leaving the group’s status technically unresolved. All members have moved on to individual pursuits – acting, solo music, and other ventures – while fans continue to revisit AOA’s discography and remember the group’s impact on the K-pop landscape.
Stay tuned to KpopBio for more K-pop news and idol updates.
More Info About Kpopbio.com
